"Unveiling marigold assembled micro flowers of tungsten oxide towards solid-state flexible pouch and coin cell supercapacitors".

Marigold analogues micro flowers of tungsten oxide (WO3) have been grown in thin film form through simple and cost-effective solution chemistry approach on stainless steel substrate. Aqueous precursor involving WO4-2 ions agglomerated as self-sacrificing template growing initially into the nano-petal, followed by self-assembly; leading to marigold analogues micro flower surface architecture. This enthralling morphology motivated us not only to fabricate supercapacitive electrode but also to design complete solid-state supercapacitor devices in dual configurations: flexible pouch cell and coin cell. Interestingly, both devices even in symmetric configuration yields remarkable potential window of 1.82 V when sandwiched by gel inclusive of Li+ ions dispersed in non-conducting polyvinyl alcohol matrix. Solid-state flexible pouch cell and coin cell delivered specific capacitances of 103.98 ± 3.59 and 30.09 ± 1.03 F/g respectively at a scan rate of 5 mV/s. Assembled electrode, coin-cell and flexible pouch-cells have been well assessed in-depth through specific capacitances using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge discharge, diffusive and capacitive contributions, mechanical bending tests, electrochemical active surface area, and electrochemical impedance analysis. Practical applicability has been demonstrated for designed flexible pouch cell to run small fan and light emitting diode panel whereas coin cell to run light emitting diode panel.

Evaluation of phytoconstituents in marigold effluent for their antifungal activity against plant pathogens.

The current study placed an intense emphasis on the excess discharge of agro-based industrial effluent and the use of plant extract antimicrobials to inhibit the growth of pathogens in crop plants. An effluent (treated and untreated) from the marigold flower processing industry has been identified for the presence of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, and a total of 18 in treated effluent and 23 in untreated effluent were found using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 13 classes were identified, which include carboxylic acid, phenols, esters, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, cyanide, heterocyclic, flavonoids, aldehydes, polycyclic aromatic, cycloalkanes, and cycloalkenes. A principal component analysis with varimax rotation was applied to discern the abundance of identified compounds under each class. An in vitro antifungal bioassay was conducted using effluents at three different concentrations against plant pathogens (Alternaria alter nata, Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium aphanidermata, Fusarium oxysporum, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides). The study proved that treated and untreated effluents clearly inhibited the growth of fungal pathogens by 10 to 32% and 37 to 92%, respectively. The findings suggest that marigold flower effluent can be a promising resource for developing new plant protection methods that are effective against pathogenic fungi.

Characterization and Discrimination of Marigold Oleoresin from Different Origins Based on UPLC-QTOF-MS Combined Molecular Networking and Multivariate Statistical Analysis.

Marigold oleoresin is an oil-soluble natural colorant mainly extracted from marigold flowers. Xinjiang of China, India, and Zambia of Africa are the three main production areas of marigold flowers. Therefore, this study utilized ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) technology, combined with Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) and multivariate statistical analysis, for the qualitative and discriminant analysis of marigold oleoresin obtained from three different regions. Firstly, 83 compounds were identified in these marigold oleoresin samples. Furthermore, the results of a principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) indicated significant differences in the chemical compositions of the marigold oleoresin samples from different regions. Finally, 12, 23, and 38 differential metabolites were, respectively, identified by comparing the marigold oleoresin from Africa with Xinjiang, Africa with India, and Xinjiang with India. In summary, these results can be used to distinguish marigold oleoresin samples from different regions, laying a solid foundation for further quality control and providing a theoretical basis for assessing its safety and nutritional aspects.

Electrospun Nanofibers Loaded with Marigold Extract Based on PVP/HPßCD and PCL/PVP Scaffolds for Wound Healing Applications.

Marigold flower is a traditionally used plant material topically applied on the skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties and antibacterial activity. This potential of action justifies the implementation of marigold extract in nanofiber scaffolds based on poly-vinylpyrrolidone/hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (PVP/HPßCD) and polycaprolactone/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PCL/PVP) obtained by electrospinning for wound treatment. Using SEM, the morphology of electrospun scaffolds showed a fiber diameter in the range of 298-527 nm, with a uniform and bead-free appearance. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of marigold extracts in nanofibrous scaffolds. The composition of the nanofibers can control the release; in the case of PVP/HPßCD, immediate release of 80% of chlorogenic acid (an analytical and functional marker for marigold extract) was achieved within 30 min, while in the case of PCL/PVP, the controlled release was achieved within 24 h (70% of chlorogenic acid). All systems showed weak antibacterial activity against skin and wound-infecting bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 100 mg/mL), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC 200 mg/mL) and yeasts Candida albicans (MIC 100 mg/mL). Analysis of the effect of different scaffold compositions of the obtained electrofibers showed that those based on PCL/PVP had better wound healing potential. The scratch was closed after 36 h, compared to the 48 h required for PVP/HPßCD. Overall, the study shows that scaffolds of PCL/PVP nanofibers loaded with classic marigold extract have the best potential as wound dressing materials because of their ability to selectively modulate inflammation (via inhibition of hyaluronidase enzyme) and supportive antimicrobial properties, thereby aiding in the early stages of wound healing and repair.

Influence of soil amendments on phytostabilization, localization and distribution of zinc and cadmium by marigold varieties.

Marigolds (Tagetes erecta L.) were evaluated for phytoremediation potential of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) as a function of amendment application to soil. Vermicompost (V), biodigestate (Bi), and combined V + Bi (VBi) were used as soil amendments in Zn and Cd co-contaminated soils. Application of soil amendments can alter physicochemical properties of soils, particularly pH, EC, CEC and nutrient concentrations. The VBi treatment resulted in highest percentage growth rate in biomass (52 %) for the Twenty yellow variety of marigold. Also, in the VBi treatment, leaves of Dragon yellow variety exhibited maximal accumulation of Zn and Cd. Flower extracts of Twenty yellow in the V treatment had substantial carotenoid content (71.7 mg L-1) and lowest IC50 value (43.7 mg L-1), thus indicating it had highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Dragon yellow exhibited highest values of ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP; 2066 mg L-1), total flavonoids content (TFC; 64.1 mg L-1), and total phenolics content (TPC; 50.9 mg L-1). Using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, the atomic percentages of Zn and Cd in all marigold varieties and treatments showed similar patterns over flower surfaces, seeds, and flower petals in descending order. Prime yellow in the V treatment resulted in higher Zn accumulation in roots (bioconcentration factor of root value) > 1 and translocation factor value < 1, indicating an enhanced ability of the plant for phytostabilization. Application of V altered antioxidant activities and production of bioactive compounds as well as enhanced the excluder potential of Cd and Zn, particularly in the Prime yellow variety. Application of Bi contributed to increased flower numbers, suggesting that floriculturists cultivating marigolds for ornamental purposes may be able to generate revenue in terms of productivity and quality of flowers when marigolds are grown on contaminated land.

The engineering, drug release, and in vitro evaluations of the PLLA/HPC/Calendula Officinalis electrospun nanofibers optimized by Response Surface Methodology.

A system based on poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) was considered in this study to achieve electrospun mats with outstanding properties and applicability in biomedical engineering. A novel binary solvent system of chloroform/N,N-dimethylformamide (CF/DMF:70/30) was utilized to minimize the probable phase separation between the polymeric components. Moreover, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to model/optimize the process. Finally, to scrutinize the ability of the complex in terms of drug delivery, Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) extract was added to the solution of the optimal sample (Opt.PH), and then the set was electrospun (PHM). As a result, the presence of Marigold led to higher values of fiber diameter (262 ± 34 nm), pore size (483 ± 102 nm), and surface porosity (81.0 ± 7.3 %). As this drug could also prohibit the micro-scale phase separation, the PHM touched superior tensile strength and Young modulus of 11.3 ± 1.1 and 91.2 ± 4.2 MPa, respectively. Additionally, the cumulative release data demonstrated non-Fickian diffusion with the Korsmeyer-Peppas exponent and diffusion coefficient of n = 0.69 and D = 2.073 × 10-14 cm2/s, respectively. At the end stage, both the Opt.PH and PHM mats manifested satisfactory results regarding the hydrophilicity and cell viability/proliferation assessments, reflecting their high potential to be used in regenerative medicine applications.

Bio-valorization of Tagetes floral waste extract in fabrication of self-healing Schiff-base nanocomposite hydrogels for colon cancer remedy.

The drastic boom in floriculture and social events in religious and recreational places has inevitably led to generation of tremendous floral waste across the globe. Marigold (Tagetes erecta) is one of the most common loose flowers offered for the same. Generally discarded, these Tagetes floral wastes could be valorized for biogenic syntheses. In this study, we have utilized the floral extract towards green synthesis of nano ZnO, the formation of which was affirmed from different analytical techniques. Bionanocomposite Schiff-base hydrogel composed of chitosan and dialdehyde pectin was fabricated by the facile strategy of in situ polymer cross-linking, and the ZnO nanoparticles were embedded in the hydrogel matrix. The hydrogel exhibited remarkable self-healing ability. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were enhanced owing to nano ZnO. Furthermore, it was hemocompatible and biodegradable. A controlled release drug profile for 5-fluorouracil from the hydrogel was accomplished in the colorectum. The exposure of the drug-loaded nanocomposite hydrogel demonstrated improved anticancer effects in HT-29 colon cancer cells. The findings of this study altogether put forth the successful biovalorization of Tagetes floral waste extract for colon cancer remedy.

Genome size estimation of false daisy, cheek weed, pot marigold and marigold.

We report the genome size estimated using flow cytometry for four closely related species, including false daisy (Eclipta prostrate), cheek weed (Ageratum conyzoides), pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), and marigold (Tagetes erecta) belonging to Asteraceae family. The detected genome size for false daisy, cheek weed, pot marigold, and marigold was, 2.435, 3.266, 3.413, and 1.897, Gbp, respectively, while their respective 2C DNA content was 2.5, 3.3, 3.5, and 1.9, pg. The information on genome size presented here will be useful for understanding genomic evolution and will also clear the way for additional genomic research in these species.

Lutein-Rich Beverage Alleviates Visual Fatigue in the Hyperglycemia Model of Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Asthenopia is a syndrome based on the symptoms of eye discomfort that has become a chronic disease that interferes with and harms people's physical and mental health. Lutein is an internationally recognized "eye nutrient", and studies have shown that it can protect the retina and relieve visual fatigue. In this study, lutein was extracted from marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) and saponified. The purified lutein concentration measured by HPLC was 50.12 mg/100 g. Then, purified lutein was modified to be water-soluble by nanoscale modification and microencapsulation technology. Water-soluble lutein was then mixed with a leaching solution of Chinese wolfberry and chrysanthemum to make a functional beverage. The effects of this beverage on hepatic antioxidant enzymes and the alleviation of visual fatigue in a rat model of diabetes were investigated for 4 weeks. Lutein intake of 0.72 (medium-lutein beverage group) and 1.44 mg/mL (high-lutein beverage group) relieved visual fatigue, ameliorated turbidity symptoms of impaired crystalline lenses, reduced hepatic MDA concentration, increased hepatic GSH concentration, and significantly increased the activities of the hepatic antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GR in rats. These data suggest that a lutein-rich beverage is an effective and harmless way to increase the total anti-oxidation capacity of lenses and alleviate visual fatigue.

Construction of Marigold-like Poly(vinyl alcohol) Microspheres for Catalytic Microreactors.

It has long been pursued to develop polymer microspheres with various special morphologies and structures for better results in applications such as catalysis, drug delivery, and bioscaffolds. However, it remains a challenge to develop a facile method to produce poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) microspheres with special morphologies. Herein, a micron-sized marigold-like poly(vinyl alcohol) (CE-PVATPA) microsphere was engineered and fabricated by a feasible strategy, that is, emulsification-cross-linking, freeze-drying, and secondary acetal reaction steps. The morphological evolution of microspheres was systematically investigated under different conditions, and the procedure of constructing PVA microspheres with stabilizing marigold-like structures was proposed. More importantly, a specially structured PVA microsphere microreactor synergistically loading palladium metal nanoparticles (CE-PVATPA@Pd) for the heterogeneous catalyst 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) could be further demonstrated, which indicated high catalytic activity and excellent recyclability. The resultant stabilized fabricating method is promising to provide valuable guidance for the design and fabrication of a high-performance PVA microsphere microreactor.

Exploring the Sequential-Selective Supercritical Fluid Extraction (S3FE) of Flavonoids and Esterified Triterpenoids from Calendula officinalis L. Flowers.

One of the many advantages of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is the possibility of using it in sequential and selective approaches. This is due to the use of a dynamic extraction mode in addition to the possibility of altering the composition of the modifier during the extraction process. In this study, the optimization of Calendula officinalis L. extraction of non-polar and polar compounds was achieved using three-level Box-Behnken designs (BBD). For non-polar compounds, the factors were pressure, temperature, and EtOH percentage. As for the polar compounds, the three variables were temperature, the total modifier percentage, and H2O added in the modifier as an additive. The recovery of selectively rich extracts in triterpendiol esters and narcissin was possible using a sequential two-step SFE. The first step was performed at 80 °C and 15% EtOH, and the second at 40 °C and 30% EtOH:H2O 80:20 v:v with a total of 60 min of extraction. Additionally, the SFE extraction of non-polar compounds was scaled up on a pilot-scale extractor, demonstrating similar results. Finally, the SFE results were compared to ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE).

In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Potentials of Herbal Formulation Containing Marigold Flower (Calendula officinalis L.) Tea.

Aim To assess the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Calendula officinalis tea formulation. Materials and methods In this study, a formulation of 2 grams of dried marigold flower petals and 100 milliliters (ml) of distilled water was subjected to anti-inflammatory testing using albumin denaturation assay and anti-protease activity and antioxidant testing by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) assay. An independent sample t-test was done to compare the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials of marigold tea formulation and control using SPSS version 22.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), and any p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The highest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of marigold extract were exhibited at 10 microliters (µl) and 20 µl (p-value = 0.002 and 0.000), respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity was higher than the control at all concentrations, whereas the antioxidant activity was higher at lower concentrations when compared to higher concentrations. Conclusion Marigold flower tea formulation exhibited better anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities than the controls and therefore could be evaluated as a potential therapeutic agent.

Analysis of Lutein Content in Microencapsulated Marigold Flower Extract (Tagetes erecta L.) Using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS and Its Cytotoxicity in ARPE-19 Cells.

Organic solvents are commonly used to extract lutein. However, they are toxic and are not environmental-friendly. There are only a few reports on the quantification of lutein. Therefore, this study aimed to determine a suitable extraction method by which to obtain lutein from marigold flower (Tagetes erecta L.), using coconut oil to evaluate the cytotoxicity of extract in ARPE-19 cells, to optimize the encapsulation process for the development of microencapsulated marigold flower extract, and to develop the method for analysis of lutein by using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS. Coconut oil was used for the extraction of marigold flowers with two different extraction methods: ultrasonication and microwave-assisted extraction. The UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS condition for the analysis of lutein was successfully developed and validated. Marigold flower extract obtained using the microwave method had the highest lutein content of 27.22 ± 1.17 mg/g. A cytotoxicity study revealed that 16 µM of lutein from marigold extract was non-toxic to ARPE-19 cells. For the development of microencapsulated marigold extract, the ratio of oil to wall at 1:5 had the highest encapsulation efficiency and the highest lutein content. Extraction of lutein using coconut oil and the microwave method was the suitable method. The microencapsulated marigold extract can be applied for the development of functional ingredients.

Apple-marigold intercropping improves soil properties by changing soil metabolomics and bacterial community structures.

Marigold can protect crops against soil-borne diseases. However, the effects of intercropping with marigold on apple rhizosphere soils are not known. In this study, we investigated the metabolite profiles and bacterial community structures in rhizosphere soils of the apple-marigold intercropping system by high-throughput sequencing and soil metabolomics. The results show that intercropping marigold could significantly enhance soil moisture, nitrogen, and enzyme activities compared with clean tillage. The soil metabolite profiles and the soil bacterial community structures in the rhizosphere soils were different between the inter-and mono-cropping systems. Among nine metabolites, carbohydrates were more increased in the intercropping system than in the monocropping system. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the greatest differential, in terms of metabolic pathway, was starch and sucrose metabolism. Moreover, intercropping marigold significantly increased the relative abundance of plant growth promoting bacteria in rhizosphere soils, such as Rhizobiales, Pseudomonadales, and Bacillales. These results indicate that marigold intercropping positively affected the apple orchard's soil quality and may provide a new intercropping technique to improve soil fertility in orchards and promote plant growth.

Effects of different types of xanthophyll extracted from marigold on pigmentation of yellow-feathered chickens.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the effects of different types of xanthophyll extracted from marigold on the growth performance, skin color, and carcass pigmentation. METHODS: A total of 192 healthy 60-day-old yellow-feathered broilers weighing an average of 1,279±81 g were randomly allocated to 4 groups, each with 6 replicates and 8 broilers. The 4 treatments were as follows: i) CON group, fed with basal diet; ii) LTN group, supplemented with lutein; iii) MDP group, supplemented with monohydroxyl pigment including dehydrated lutein, ß-cryptoxanthin, and α-cryptoxanthin; iv) LTN+MDP group, supplemented with lutein and monohydroxyl pigment in proportion to 1:1. The supplementary content of LTN, MDP, and LTN+MDP was 2 g/kg. Skin color was measured after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of feeding the dietary treatments. The breast, thigh, and abdominal fat of slaughtered chickens were stored in cold storage at 4°C for 24 hours and then the meat color of lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values was determined. RESULTS: The results showed that all treatments enhanced the yellow scores of subwing skin on day 14, 21, and 28 (p<0.05), and the mixture of lutein and monohydroxyl pigment promoted the yellow scores of shanks on day 14, 21, and 28 (p<0.05). The mixture of lutein and monohydroxyl pigment increased the yellow scores of beaks and all treatments enhanced the yellow of shanks on day 28 (p<0.05). In addition, all treatments improved the yellow (b*) values of breast and thigh muscle, moreover, the monohydroxyl pigment and the mixture of lutein and monohydroxyl pigment enhanced the values of redness (a*) and yellow (b*) of abdominal fat (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In summary, different types of xanthophyll extracted from marigold significantly increased the yellow scores of skin color and the yellow (b*) values of carcass pigmentation. Especially, the mixture of lutein and monohydroxyl pigment was more efficient on skin color.

Variation in pollinator visitation among garden cultivars of marigold, portulaca, and bidens.

Due to declines in pollinator populations, many people are now interested in learning about which annual flowers they can plant in their garden to better support pollinators. However, reports of experimental evaluation of cultivars of annual flowers for attraction to pollinators are scarce. We sampled pollinators visiting six cultivars of marigold (Tagetes erecta and T. patula), ten cultivars of bidens (Bidens ferulifolia and B. aurea), and eight cultivars of portulaca (Portulaca oleracea and P. grandiflora) for two years to compare pollinator visitation rates among cultivars within each flower type. Pollinators collected on flowers in research plots were categorized into four groups, honey bees (Apis mellifera), common eastern bumble bees (Bombus impatiens), wild bees, and syrphids, to show the proportion of different pollinator visitors to each cultivar. Pollinator visitation rates varied significantly among cultivars of marigold, bidens, and portulaca, with some cultivars having as much as 10-fold the visitation rate of other cultivars of the same flower type. In the second year we also evaluated nectar production and nectar quality of the most and least visited cultivars of portulaca and bidens. Our results show that pollinators have a strong preference for cultivars that produce the most nectar or nectar with the highest sugar content. This research will better inform entomologists, growers, educators, and plant breeders, about which cultivars of marigold, portulaca, and bidens are visited the most by pollinators, and how to accurately determine this at the cultivar level.

Asteraceae Seeds as Alternative Ingredients in a Fibre-Rich Diet: Protein Quality and Metabolic Effects in Rats.

We verified whether milk thistle seeds and pot marigold seeds provided valuable components for a fibre-rich diet and how their addition affected body composition, nitrogen balance and lipid metabolism in rats. Growing rats were fed a control diet (5% fibre) or three fibre-rich diets (24% fibre), which contained cellulose as the sole source of fibre (24%; positive control), milk thistle seeds (32%) or pot marigold seeds (39%). All diets were balanced in macronutrients, including total protein content (9%), which was half of the amount recommended for rats to maximise protein absorption and utilisation, and the ratio of plant protein to animal protein (approx. 1:1). After 4 weeks, dietary pot marigold seeds reduced body weight gain, which translated into lower gains of body fat and lean mass in rats (all at p ≤ 0.05). Protein digestibility differed among individual fibre-rich diets (p ≤ 0.05), with the lowest result having been recorded for dietary pot marigold seeds (73%), followed by dietary milk thistle seeds (78%), and the highest result having been recorded for dietary soybean protein isolate (control protein source, 89%). Nitrogen retention was higher with dietary soybean protein isolate (53%) and dietary milk thistle seeds (47%) than with dietary pot marigold seeds (38%) (p ≤ 0.05). In the caecal digesta, the concentrations of the major short-chain fatty acids were almost or >2-fold higher after dietary milk thistle seeds and pot marigold seeds than after the positive control diet (all at p ≤ 0.05). Dietary pot marigold seeds enlarged the liver and increased the plasma activities of liver enzymes but reduced hepatic lipid contents (all at p ≤ 0.05). Certain Asteraceae seeds provide components of varied nutritional quality, with milk thistle seeds being a relatively good source of protein and both types of seeds being a source of fermentable fibre. Pot marigold seeds have potential anti-obesogenic effects, but with the risk of damaging internal organs.

A Study on Natural Control against Nematodes and Whiteflies with Marigold, Known as an Antagonist Plant.

The importance of finding natural solutions for the protection of our health in the fight against pests in agriculture is increasing day by day. In this study, the interaction of the active ingredients in marigolds as the great importance as a garden flower, with nematode and whitefly receptors as ligands in the fight against them, have been investigated by chemical calculation method. The inhibition effect of ligands (alpha-Terthienyl, Quercetagetin in marigold) on nematode and whitefly receptors in this plant was determined by comparing the binding energy values with reference drug active ingredients (imidacloprid, Perhexiline).This calculation method, the accuracy determined by different studies, is very important in terms of determining the most active substance in a short time, preventing time and substance loss, and will guide the experimental studies and applications to be made in this field.

Enhancement of body coloration of sword-tail fish (Xiphophorus helleri): Plant-derived bio-resources could be converted into a potential dietary carotenoid supplement.

The effects of natural plant-derived carotenoid sources on body coloration and growth performance of Sword-Tail Fish (Xiphophorus helleri) were investigated using four different dietary treatments; Commercial Feed (CF), China Rose Flower (CRF), Marigold Flower (MFF), and Carrot (CAF). CF was used as the control treatment without a natural source of carotenoids. The sources were mixed with feed (15 g/100 g) during the diet preparation. Fish were fed with four treatments twice a day for eight weeks, and then sampling was done weekly. A total of 96 fish were used for the experiment, and the mean initial weights were 3.314 g. MFF-treated fishes showed better growth performance in terms of mean weight, length and Specific Growth Rate (SGR), and carotenoid gain than the other treatments. The lowest Food Conversion Ratio (FCR) was also observed in the MFF-treated fish. The study suggested that marigold flower mixed feed could increase the body coloration and boost the growth performance of sword-tail fish and may be manufactured.

The Dual Benefit of Plant Essential Oils against Tuta absoluta.

Plant essential oils (PEOs) are being studied as a potential alternative to synthetic pesticides in agriculture. PEOs have the potential to control pests both directly, by being toxic or repellent to pests, and indirectly, by activating plant's defense mechanisms. In this study, the effectiveness of five PEOs (Achillea millefolium, Allium sativum, Rosmarinus officinallis, Tagetes minuta, and Thymus zygis) on controlling Tuta absoluta and their impact on the predator Nesidiocoris tenuis was examined. The study revelead that PEOs from A. millefolium and A. sativum-sprayed plants significantly reduced the number of T. absoluta-infested leaflets and did not affect the establishment and reproduction of N. tenuis. Additionally, the spraying of A. millefolium and A. sativum increased the expression of defense genes in the plants, triggering the release of herbivory-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), such as C6 green leaf volatiles, monoterpenes, and aldehydes, which can be messengers in tritrophic interactions. The results suggest that PEOs from A. millefolium and A. sativum can provide a dual benefit for controlling arthropod pests, as they can directly exhibit toxicity against these pests while also activating plant defense mechanisms. Overall, this study provides new insights into using PEOs as a sustainable solution for controlling pests and diseases in agriculture, by reducing synthetic pesticides and promoting the use of natural predators.